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Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black Oystercatcher Population Trend in California

All statesShorebirds

Black Oystercatcher in California has increased: up 44% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+44%Since 1973
8Routes In State
46Years

Notable Black Oystercatcher Trends in California

No notable trend signals for Black Oystercatcher in California. See the full index history below.

Black Oystercatcher Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Black Oystercatcher in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.08). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±116.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.04Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.0895% range
±116.8%Backtest error
19682029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.040.000.08
20260.040.000.08
20270.040.000.08
20280.040.000.08
20290.040.000.08

Black Oystercatcher Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Black Oystercatcher in California.
Bodega Bay320211972
Crescent Cty219951974
Redwood N.P.220072007
Honeydew120171968
Harbor Lake 2120242015
Fish Rock120091973
Laytonville119901988
Morro Bay120121979

Black Oystercatcher Population Trend in Other States

alaskawashington

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.